Jermaine Haley commits to Washington

Canadian guard Jermaine Haley (left) is the first to verbally commit to Washington’s 2016 class. (Photo credit: Paul Czene)

In keeping with its new early-bird recruiting approach, Washington secured its first verbal commitment for the 2016 class when Canadian standout Jermaine Haley announced Monday afternoon he’s going to play for the Huskies.

“It was the best fit for me,” the 6-7 point guard from Burnaby, British Columbia said during a phone interview. “There were a lot of good programs recruiting me, but I feel like WAshington just did the best. I think it’s the best decision for me. I’m happy that I picked them.”

Haley also considered Memphis, Gonzaga, Louisville, Arizona and Ohio State.

“All of the schools that I wanted to recruit me are recruiting me,” he said. “Me and the coaches were talking about when I should make an announcement. We talked about doing it after Las Vegas and we just came to the conclusion that we should do it today.”

Haley credited coach Lorenzo Romar and assistant Raphael Chillious for showing the most interest during the recruiting period.

“(Romar) was excited when I told him,” Haley said. “They show up to all of my games both coach Chill and Romar.”

“He’s not done growing physically and as a player,” Bains said. “When you use the word potential, they should put that guy’s face next to the word. His future is really bright. … He’s a basketball player first. If he plays the wing, he’ll do a lot of ball handling.”

Washington freshman Tristan Etienne was a former Haley teammate with DRIVE.